Catholic Charities of Philadelphia to Host Members of Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education’s Rising Stars Leadership Academy for Day of Service
Members of the first and second cohorts of OCE’s Rising Stars Leadership Academy will come together at Martha’s Community Farm, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, for a morning of service.
In March 2025, the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education’s Secondary Team launched the Rising Stars Leadership Academy Certificate Program. This initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within the secondary school system. The 14-month program provides professional development through monthly in-person sessions, virtual coaching, and workshops.
Sixteen individuals serving the ministry of Catholic Education participated in the first cohort of the Rising Stars Leadership Academy. The inaugural class graduated in April 2026. The second cohort began in May 2026. Members of both cohorts will come together to Martha’s Community Farm for a morning of community service, providing an opportunity to build relationships, connect across cohorts, and serve the community together.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
9:00 a.m. Arrival and Tour of Martha’s Community Farm
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Volunteer Service: Harvesting and Planting
Martha’s Community Farm
1350 Pawlings Road
Audubon, PA 19403 (Montgomery County)
Background on the Rising Stars Leadership Academy
In March 2025, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education Secondary Team launched the first cohort of the Rising Stars Leadership Academy Certificate Program. The program prepares current and future leaders within the Archdiocesan Secondary System through professional development and collaboration. Participants have the opportunity to engage with inspirational leaders, develop essential skills, and work alongside mission-driven professionals. The curriculum focuses on key areas including: communication; collaboration and management; accountability; influence and motivation; and conflict resolution. Over the course of 14 months, each cohort meets in person monthly while also participating in virtual coaching, mentoring, and workshops. Candidates are nominated by fellow employees and have to complete a comprehensive application process reviewed by a selection committee. For more information about the Rising Stars Leadership Academy Certificate Program, please contact James Molnar, Director of Leadership Development for the Office of Catholic Education Secondary Team at jmolnar@archphila.org.
Background Information about Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Martha’s Community Farm grows culturally meaningful food for Martha’s Choice Marketplace, Montgomery County’s largest food pantry. Nearly 17,000 individuals visit the pantry annually with community farm contributions growing 20,000 pounds of produce each year. For additional information, please visit ccphila.org.
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Editor’s Note: For information about secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/secondary.